When it comes to modern cooking appliances, one question keeps coming up:

Should I buy an infrared cooktop or an induction cooktop?

At first glance, they look almost identical. They're sleek, compact, energy-efficient, and perfect for modern kitchens. But the way they work—and the kind of cooking experience they offer—is completely different.

If you're planning to buy a cooktop and are confused between infrared vs induction, this guide will help you understand the real differences in simple terms so you can choose the one that's right for your home.

What is an Infrared Cooktop?

An infrared cooktop uses powerful infrared heating elements beneath a ceramic glass surface to generate heat. The surface itself becomes hot and transfers heat directly to your cookware.

Unlike induction, infrared cooktops work with almost every type of cookware, including:

• Stainless steel
• Aluminium
• Copper
• Cast iron
• Ceramic
• Glass cookware

This means you don't have to replace your existing utensils.

What is an Induction Cooktop?

An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic technology instead of directly producing heat.

It creates a magnetic field that heats only compatible cookware while the cooktop surface remains comparatively cooler.

The biggest catch?

It only works with induction-compatible cookware containing a magnetic base.

If a magnet doesn't stick to the bottom of your pan, it probably won't work on an induction cooktop.

Infrared vs Induction Cooktop: Key Differences

Feature	Infrared Cooktop	Induction Cooktop
Heating Method	Infrared radiant heat	Electromagnetic induction
Compatible Cookware	Almost all cookware	Only induction-compatible cookware
Surface Heat	Glass surface becomes hot	Surface stays relatively cool
Cooking Speed	Fast	Very fast
Power During Voltage Fluctuation	Performs more consistently	Can be sensitive to low voltage
Can Cook in Clay/Glass Utensils	Yes	No
Ideal For	Everyday Indian cooking	Fast, precision cooking

1. Cookware Compatibility

This is often the biggest deciding factor.

Choose Infrared if:

You already own quality cookware and don't want to spend more replacing it.

Your existing aluminium kadai, steel pressure cooker, copper cookware or dosa tawa will work perfectly.

Choose Induction if:

You're comfortable buying induction-compatible utensils.

2. Which Cooks Faster?

Both appliances are faster than traditional gas cooking.

However,

• Induction cooktops usually heat slightly faster because energy is transferred directly into the cookware.
• Infrared cooktops take a little longer but still offer quick and consistent cooking.

For everyday home cooking, the difference is usually only a matter of a few minutes.

3. Which One Saves More Electricity?

Both are energy-efficient compared to traditional electric hot plates.

Induction generally has slightly higher energy efficiency because very little heat is lost.

Infrared, however, offers excellent efficiency while giving you the flexibility of using almost any utensil.

For many Indian households, avoiding the cost of buying new cookware often makes an infrared cooktop a more practical investment.

4. Which is Better for Indian Cooking?

Indian cooking isn't just about boiling water.

We:

• Deep fry
• Roast rotis
• Make curries
• Slow cook dals
• Temper spices
• Cook in heavy-bottom utensils

An infrared cooktop easily supports different cookware styles and cooking techniques.

Whether you're using an aluminium kadai handed down through generations or a modern stainless-steel pan, it works without restrictions.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

Both appliances feature smooth ceramic glass tops that are easy to wipe clean.

Simply allow the surface to cool and wipe it using a soft damp cloth.

Avoid abrasive scrubbers to maintain the premium finish.

6. Safety

Both technologies are designed with safety in mind.

Infrared Cooktop

• Stable heating
• No open flame
• Ideal for apartments and indoor cooking
• Residual heat indicator on many models

Induction Cooktop

• Surface remains relatively cooler
• Automatically stops when cookware is removed (model dependent)
• Reduced risk of accidental burns

Infrared Cooktop Advantages

If you're looking for convenience and flexibility, an infrared cooktop offers several benefits:

✔ Works with almost every type of cookware

✔ No need to buy new utensils

✔ Excellent for Indian cooking

✔ Uniform heating

✔ Elegant glass design

✔ Easy to clean

✔ Portable and ideal for modern homes

Induction Cooktop Advantages

Induction cooktops are ideal for users who want:

✔ Extremely fast heating

✔ High energy efficiency

✔ Precision temperature control

✔ Cooler cooking surface

✔ Modern smart features

Infrared vs Induction: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose an infrared cooktop if you:

• Don't want to replace your cookware
• Cook a variety of Indian dishes
• Want maximum flexibility
• Need a cooktop that works with aluminium, steel, copper and cast-iron utensils
• Prefer a simple plug-and-cook solution

Choose an induction cooktop if you:

• Already own induction-compatible cookware
• Want the fastest possible cooking
• Prefer precise temperature control
• Mainly cook with magnetic-base utensils

Why Many Indian Homes are Choosing Infrared Cooktops

Modern Indian kitchens demand appliances that are stylish, efficient, and practical.

An infrared cooktop offers the convenience of electric cooking without asking you to change the way you've always cooked.

It lets you continue using the cookware you already trust while enjoying faster heating, easy cleaning, and a sleek countertop appearance.

For families that value convenience, versatility, and everyday usability, an infrared cooktop strikes an excellent balance between performance and practicality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is an infrared cooktop better than an induction cooktop?

Neither is universally better. Infrared is more versatile because it works with almost all cookware, while induction is generally faster and more energy-efficient but requires compatible utensils.

Can I use aluminium utensils on an infrared cooktop?

Yes. Aluminium, stainless steel, copper, cast iron, ceramic, and glass cookware can all be used on an infrared cooktop.

Does an infrared cooktop consume a lot of electricity?

No. Modern infrared cooktops are designed to be energy-efficient while providing fast and consistent heating.

Which cooktop is best for Indian cooking?

For most Indian households, an infrared cooktop is often more convenient because it supports traditional cookware and a wide range of cooking styles.

Is an infrared cooktop safe?

Yes. Infrared cooktops have no open flame, making them a safe option for modern homes when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Final Thoughts

When comparing infrared vs induction cooktops, the right choice depends on how you cook, the cookware you already own, and the convenience you expect.

If you want speed and precision, induction is an excellent choice.

If you want flexibility, compatibility with almost every utensil, and hassle-free everyday cooking, an infrared cooktop is often the smarter choice for Indian kitchens.

At Sunshine, our modern kitchen appliances are designed to make everyday cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable—without compromising on style or performance.